Elon Musk has concluded his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) after a tumultuous 130-day tenure, during which he aimed to cut $1 trillion from federal spending. Despite claims of saving approximately $175 billion, critics argue that many of these figures are inflated or erroneous. President Trump praised Musk's efforts, asserting that his work will have lasting impacts. However, Musk's departure has sparked polarized reactions in Washington, with Republicans lauding his achievements and Democrats celebrating his exit. Musk expressed disappointment over Trump's recent spending bill, which he believes undermines DOGE's mission.
Elon Musk concluded his brief tenure as a special government employee in the Trump administration with a press conference in the Oval Office, where he appeared with a black eye, allegedly sustained while "horsing around" with his young son. The event was overshadowed by a New York Times report claiming Musk used drugs, including ketamine and ecstasy, during his time advising Trump. Despite these controversies, Trump praised Musk's contributions to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and presented him with a symbolic key, emphasizing Musk's ongoing influence in the administration.
The FBI is investigating an impersonation scheme involving Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff, who has reportedly been targeted by an individual using AI-generated voice technology to deceive prominent Republican officials. Over the past few weeks, the impersonator has contacted senators, governors, and business leaders, soliciting money and asking for sensitive information. Wiles suspects her personal phone was hacked, allowing the impersonator to access her contacts. The White House is taking the matter seriously, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity for its staff as investigations continue.
On May 30, 2025, China established the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) in Hong Kong, with over 30 countries signing the founding convention. Led by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the initiative aims to provide a new framework for international dispute resolution through mediation, promoting peaceful resolutions and cooperation among nations. The organization seeks to fill gaps in existing legal frameworks like the International Court of Justice and aims to bolster Hong Kong's status as a global legal hub. The body is expected to begin operations by the end of this year.
A catastrophic glacier collapse in the Swiss village of Blatten has left the community in ruins, with 90% of the village buried under ice, rock, and mud. The disaster occurred on May 28, 2025, prompting the evacuation of residents as authorities warned of rising water levels from the blocked River Lonza. A 64-year-old man remains missing, and search efforts have been suspended due to unstable conditions. Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter has pledged support for the affected villagers, while fears of further flooding threaten nearby communities as debris continues to obstruct the river.
A 53-year-old man, Paul Doyle, has been charged with multiple offenses after allegedly driving his car into a crowd celebrating Liverpool Football Club's Premier League title victory. The incident occurred on May 26, injuring 79 people, with victims ranging in age from 9 to 78. Doyle, a former Royal Marine and father of three, appeared in Liverpool Magistrates' Court, where he was remanded in custody. He faces charges including dangerous driving and grievous bodily harm, which could result in a life sentence if convicted. Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive, and investigations are ongoing.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has stated that Kyiv is prepared to resume peace talks with Russia on June 2 in Istanbul, but insists on receiving a detailed memorandum outlining Russia's ceasefire proposals beforehand. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of deliberately stalling negotiations, asserting that without clear terms, the talks would likely be fruitless. The Kremlin has confirmed its delegation will attend but has not disclosed its proposals, which Ukraine fears may include unacceptable demands. Turkey is mediating the discussions, with hopes of hosting a summit involving leaders from the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine.
The Islamic State (ISIL) has claimed responsibility for two bomb attacks in southern Syria, marking its first assault on government forces since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. The attacks occurred in the al-Safa desert region of Sweida, with one targeting a Syrian army vehicle, reportedly killing or wounding seven soldiers. The second attack struck members of the U.S.-backed Free Syrian Army, resulting in one death and three injuries. Analysts suggest these incidents indicate ISIL's attempt to reassert its presence amid shifting power dynamics following Assad's removal in December.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has reached a critical juncture as Hamas reviews a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, initially accepted by Israel. The plan, brokered by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, suggests a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas officials express skepticism, stating the proposal does not meet their demands for a permanent ceasefire, military withdrawal, or unrestricted humanitarian aid access. Amidst intensifying military operations and a worsening humanitarian crisis, both sides remain under pressure to negotiate a resolution.
The United Nations has warned that Gaza is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with the entire population at risk of famine. Jens Laerke from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated that 100% of Gazans are in danger of starvation. Despite Israel authorizing the entry of 900 aid trucks, only 600 have been offloaded, leading to chaotic scenes as desperate residents rush to aid distribution centers. The situation is compounded by ongoing Israeli military operations and calls from far-right Israeli officials for increased military action against Hamas, further complicating ceasefire negotiations.
At least 110 people have died due to severe flooding in the town of Mokwa, Niger State, Nigeria, following torrential rains that began on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday morning. The floods have submerged over 50 homes, displacing many residents and prompting ongoing rescue operations. Local officials report that the death toll may rise as recovery efforts continue, with many individuals still missing. The Nigerian government has expressed condolences and mobilized emergency services to assist affected communities. This disaster highlights the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces with seasonal flooding exacerbated by climate change and poor infrastructure.
A new aid distribution hub in Gaza, backed by Israel, has descended into chaos as desperate crowds scramble for food amid ongoing conflict. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation opened the site in Al-Bureij, but its operations have faced criticism from the United Nations and other aid organizations, which label it a militarized effort that undermines humanitarian principles. Reports indicate that violence erupted during the distribution, with stun grenades fired and at least one person killed. The situation reflects the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where millions are at risk of famine due to the ongoing conflict and blockade.
French President Emmanuel Macron has intensified his criticism of Israel, stating that the West risks losing credibility if Israel is granted a "free pass" in its military operations in Gaza. Speaking at a security forum in Singapore, Macron urged European nations to consider sanctions against Israel unless it addresses the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In response, Israel's Foreign Ministry accused Macron of waging a "crusade against the Jewish state," defending its actions and asserting that there is no humanitarian blockade. The diplomatic tensions between France and Israel have escalated, particularly following Israel's announcement of new settlements in the West Bank.
Taylor Swift has successfully regained ownership of her first six albums, marking the end of a lengthy battle over her music rights. In a heartfelt announcement on her website, Swift expressed her overwhelming joy, stating, "All the music I've ever made now belongs to me." The saga began in 2019 when her former label, Big Machine, sold her masters to Scooter Braun, who later sold them to Shamrock Capital. Swift has since re-recorded four albums as "Taylor's Versions" to reclaim her artistry. She thanked her fans for their support, which played a crucial role in this achievement.
Russell Brand, the British comedian and actor, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of rape and sexual assault during a court hearing at Southwark Crown Court in London. The charges, which date back over 25 years, involve four women and include two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, and one count of indecent assault. Brand, who is currently out on bail, is scheduled to stand trial on June 3, 2026. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming that all his sexual encounters were consensual. The allegations against him were brought to light following an investigation by Channel 4 and The Sunday Times.
Sean "Diddy" Combs is currently facing serious charges in a Manhattan federal court, including sex trafficking and racketeering. Testimony from his former assistant, identified as "Mia," has revealed harrowing accounts of alleged sexual assault and psychological manipulation during her eight years of employment. Mia described incidents of rape and coercion, stating that Combs created an environment of fear and control. Meanwhile, President Trump has hinted at the possibility of a pardon for Combs, stating he would consider the facts if asked. The trial has drawn significant media attention, reflecting the gravity of the allegations against the music mogul.
Andrew and Tristan Tate, controversial influencer brothers, are preparing to return to the UK to face serious charges, including rape and human trafficking. Their lawyers announced that they will defend themselves against these allegations, which date back to incidents between 2012 and 2015. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed the charges, which were authorized in January 2024, but only publicly announced recently. The Tates are currently involved in legal proceedings in Romania, where they face separate charges related to human trafficking. They have denied all allegations and claim they have not been provided with sufficient information about the charges against them.
At a contentious town hall in Butler County, Iowa, Republican Senator Joni Ernst faced backlash from constituents over proposed Medicaid cuts included in the House's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." When an audience member warned that these cuts could lead to deaths, Ernst responded, "Well, we all are going to die," prompting boos and gasps from the crowd. Despite her attempts to clarify that the bill would not cut benefits for eligible individuals, many attendees expressed concern over the potential impact on vulnerable populations. The proposed legislation aims to reform Medicaid while extending tax cuts, but critics argue it threatens essential healthcare for millions.
The recent "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) report, led by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has come under fire for citing multiple nonexistent studies to support its claims about chronic diseases in American children. Initially released on May 22, the report identified poor diet, environmental toxins, and overmedication as contributing factors to children's health issues. However, an investigation by NOTUS revealed that seven of the cited studies were fabricated, prompting the White House to announce an update to correct these errors. Critics, including the authors of the cited studies, have expressed concern over the report's credibility and scientific rigor.
Todd Chrisley, recently pardoned by President Trump after serving over two years for bank fraud and tax evasion, held a press conference in Nashville, Tennessee, to discuss his experiences in prison and the injustices he witnessed. He expressed gratitude for his release and vowed to advocate for fellow inmates, particularly highlighting racial disparities in treatment. Chrisley maintained his innocence, claiming he and his wife, Julie, were victims of a corrupt prosecution. Their story will be featured in an upcoming reality docuseries, which aims to shed light on their experiences and the broader issues within the prison system.
In a dramatic legal development, a U.S. appeals court has temporarily reinstated President Donald Trump's controversial tariffs, just a day after a lower court ruled that he had overstepped his authority. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit granted a stay on the previous ruling, allowing the tariffs, known as "Liberation Day" tariffs, to remain in effect while the administration prepares to appeal. This legal back-and-forth highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Trump's trade policies, which have faced multiple lawsuits and criticisms for their impact on global trade relations and domestic businesses.
Elon Musk's tenure as a special government employee in the Trump administration is officially over after 130 days. During his time leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk aimed to cut federal spending, claiming to have saved $175 billion, although critics question the validity of these figures. While Musk departs from his official role, he will continue as an unofficial adviser to Trump. The announcement of his exit comes amid controversies surrounding his actions and statements, including criticism of Trump's recent spending bill, which Musk believes undermines his work at DOGE.
